Those larger plant in the ground old style signs are so hard to get in and out.

We found common ground, we chatted up, we provide each other financial value.

@James HaffnerYou need to buy in a good area and if you qualify a good property manager to be your "feet on the ground," yes.  

And if there are any investors in the MD area who need boots on the ground who can find you deals, I can use some extra money.

I am one myself...and I also use them as some of my "boots on the ground" for out of state investing.  

How do you find your team on the ground?  

For prevention, I usually just take basic (free) precautionary measures (i.e. eliminating direct wood to ground contact, eliminating any leaks or standing water, etc) to help reduce the chances of getting them. 

From what I read, I need to have boots on the ground to acquire/manage the rentals in the form of a partner or property manager.I will be asking for the generous help of the forum members on a few initial questions/references to get started.Thanks for your kind help, Look forward to connect with and contribute to the community in time.

I like the suggestion of establishing some ground rules for questions/consulting in addition to the return fee. 

I want to hit the ground running when I do get home in a few months and jump into this but like I said, when I'm home I have zero income coming in.